Progress in Numerical Simulation of HIIPER Space Propulsion Device

HIIPER is an experimental space propulsion device using a helicon and an IEC as a plasma generation and acceleration stage, respectively. There is an experiment in progress, but for true rapid iteration and to model the performance of the engine, COMSOL is a strong candidate for fulfilling these roles and continuing with the project until its production phase.
The simulation is built with very simple forms of each device and as the simulations succeed, additional complexity and detail is added until the full design is achieved. Each device is simulated separately with the goal of using the exit interface of the helicon as the entry interface of the IEC. The primary tools used are the AC/DC, DC Plasma, and Particle Tracking packages.